Biodiversity of echinoderms (Echinodermata) in Mexico

Abstract

The geographical location of Mexico makes it one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. The study of echinoderm diversity in Mexico started in the XIX Century. México has 643 species of echinoderms, with the Class Ophiuroidea as the most species rich with 197 species, Asteroidea contains 185, Echinoidea 119, Holothuroidea 113 and Crinoidea 29. Mexico possesses some endemic species to the country or to some particular region. The Mexican echinoderm catalogue is not complete, probably there are new records and new species in environments and regions poorly studied in the Mexican coasts. Although taxonomic studies are numerous, studies on the ecology, life history and other aspects of echinoderms are scarce.